FTP vs SFTP

FTP and STFP are two different file transfer protocols.

 

FTP stands for File Transfer Protocol is commonly used protocol for exchanging files over the internet. 

FTP uses a cilent-server architecture, often secured with SSL/TLS. 

FTP works on a server and client based architecture, meaning that the client can access any information o nthe server at any given time. 

FTP uses two separate channels for data dn control both of which are unencrypted, whcih means information can be intercepted and accessed. 

FTP runs on TCP port 21.

 

example would be downloading mp3 music or free software from the internet, where the client does not need any id or password for accesing and downloading the information. 

 

SFTP stands for SSH File Transfer Protocol. Sometimes also called the secure File Transfer Protocol. provides implements secure file transfer over SSH. supports the full security and authentication functionality of the ssh protocol, inclduing ssh keys.

SSH is a secure way of providing access to all the shell accounts on remote server. 

SFTP uses only one channel for data and control(FTP uses two).

SFTP runs on TCP port 22.

 

 

Advantages :

• Best for uploading/downloading extremely large files.
• very fast.
• User friendly.
• Ideal for backups of large data.
• Usually used foe business or by Web developers.

SFTP stands for Secure FTP. It is similar to FTP with a very important feature of security. The data sent or received requires authentication over SSH (Secure Shell Protocol). It runs on TCP port 22. It has a single channel for both Data and Control.

Advantages:

• Used for sensitive data that requires encryption.
• Popular on LINUX/UNIX.
• Delievers detailed metadata with your files.

There are some more different types of Transfer Protocols used in application layer like:

• TFTP - Trivial FTP. As it is trivial, it’s like simpler version of FTP. It also uses UDP over TCP so data is less reliable but faster. Usually used when unknown parties involved.
• SCP - Secure copy Protocol. It is just like SFTP but slightly faster.

source : https://www.quora.com/What-is-the-detailed-difference-between-FTP-and-SFTP